In a boost for ambitious Melbourne City FC has re-signed Westfield Matildas defender Steph Catley ahead of the Westfield W-League 2017/18 season.
The Matildas star, who has made 62 appearances for her country, re-joins City on loan after fulfilling her playing duties with American side Orlando Pride, having played an integral role in the club’s run to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) play-offs.
The 23-year-old defender, who was an inaugural player for Melbourne City FC’s women’s team and captained the side in its second campaign, recently played a key role in the Australia’s triumphant Tournament of Nations campaign in 2017.
Commenting on her signing, Catley said: “I am absolutely delighted to be re-joining Melbourne City. The club is now a second home for me and provides incredible inspiration for me to further develop as a player and help the club to grow, and hopefully we can achieve more success as a team together.”
Head coach Patrick Kisnorbo added: “Steph has already achieved so much for someone who is only 23-years-old; she’s a fantastic role model for our younger players and possesses the qualities we are looking for in a defender.”
Catley is in line to feature in Round 1 as City begins its W-League championship defence with a blockbuster Grand Final rematch away to Perth Glory on Friday 27 October at nib Stadium.
